U of I plans to boost cell reception at football stadium

CHAMPAIGN -- University of Illinois officials plan to make it easier for sports fans to use cellphones at Memorial Stadium.

The News-Gazette reports the university hopes to boost cell reception through added capacity this season, and then add a more permanent digital antenna system next year. The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics also wants to eventually provide Internet access to Illini fans at the stadium.

The goal is to allow people to post on social media, stream video and order food on their electronic devices in a way that doesn't consume data plans or overload networks.

The plans follow upgrades made by many collegiate and professional teams throughout the country, including the universities of Nebraska, Wisconsin, Penn State, Texas Christian and Stanford.